“Leader of Opposition in Malawi Parliament Raises Legal and Political Questions"

George Chaponda, who had been named Leader of Opposition in Parliament by the DPP, was barred from attending a business committee meeting this morning. He had intended to attend the meeting in his capacity as Leader of Opposition, but was asked to leave. The exact circumstances surrounding this event remain unclear, and it is not known what prompted the committee to take this action.

Kondwani Nankhumwa, who also attended the meeting as Leader of Opposition, was allowed to stay. However, Speaker of Parliament Catherine Gotani Hara informed Chaponda that there was an injunction preventing him from carrying out the duties of Leader of Opposition.

Last month, the Democratic Progressive Party expelled Nankhumwa and several other members. The party, which has the largest number of opposition MPs, then appointed Chaponda as the new Leader of Opposition in Parliament. However, it is unclear what legal basis exists for this action.

However, Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda informed the Speaker that an injunction filed by Nankhumwa prevents the Speaker from recognizing Chaponda as the new Leader of Opposition in Parliament. The injunction raises legal questions about whether Chaponda's appointment is valid, and whether Nankhumwa still retains the position of Leader of Opposition.